Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, delivered a standout qualifying performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix held at the Hungaroring near Budapest. Hamilton secured pole with a decisive lap on the soft tyres, recording a time of one minute, 16 seconds and 609 thousandths. He was just shy of the session’s fastest time, setting the tone for a weekend of intense racing. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was close behind, earning a front-row start as he aims to extend his world championship lead. The result also showed progress for McLaren, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri earning second-row starts and signaling an upswing for the Woking squad.
The Hungaroring, a classic road circuit weaving through Budapest, hosted a dramatic qualifying duel that showcased the evolving dynamics of the 2025 season. Hamilton, at 38, extended his all-time pole record in a session that highlighted shifting strategies and tyre choices. Verstappen remains focused on a third consecutive title, a milestone driving the season’s narrative as teams chase every tenth of a second. Norris and Piastri’s performances underscored McLaren’s rising trajectory, suggesting a potential shift in midfield dynamics as teams adapt to tyre wear, track conditions, and strategic nuance.
The qualifying session also featured strong performances from other top teams. Guanyu Zhou, driving for Alfa Romeo, produced a surprise by securing fifth place, while Charles Leclerc guided Ferrari to a competitive grid position. Finn Valtteri Bottas lined up fourth, and Fernando Alonso claimed a solid seventh. Sergio Perez started ninth, with Nico Hülkenberg rounding out the top ten for Haas. These results set the stage for an opening phase where teams balance strategy with the realities of tyre wear over the 70-lap, 306.6-kilometre race that awaits on Sunday.
Beyond the top contenders, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari began in a position that matched the championship context, looking to carve through the field after a challenging Q2 exit while remaining in the hunt for points in the standings. The race schedule confirms a Sunday showdown at 15:00 local time, promising another chapter in a season defined by tactical nuance, rapid technical evolution, and bold overtakes.
Hungarian GP schedule
Sunday, July 23
- Race: 15:00
Notes from the weekend indicate teams analyzing tyre performance across the Hungaroring’s varied corners, seeking a balance between grip and degradation. Observers are watching for how weather may influence strategy, pit stops, and the order on track. Fans and analysts alike are curious whether the pole sitter can translate pace into a race win and how midfield crews will seize opportunities as the race unfolds. Acknowledgments go to the event organizers and official timing data for the information in this report.